Yesteryear heroes: Struggle for survival

Big names that ruled the roost in the past decades such as Prabhu, Karthik, Sathyaraj, Murali, Saravanan and not so big names such as Rahman Abbas, etc were heroes to reckon with. But with changing trends and age being a constraint (for some), these actors are not able to sustain themselves with their positions and so are venturing to don character roles.

While Prabhu was seen in 'Something Something Unnakum Ennakum', 'Billa', 'Silambaatam' and 'A Aa E Ee' playing character roles, Karthik has been roped in by Mani Ratnam to play a role with negative shades. Sathyaraj too seems to be jumping into the bandwagon. The highly talented actor has signed up for a Telugu film that stars Gopichand and Trisha.

Rahman though seems to be clearly foraying into the world of villainy. The actor reportedly has signed a number of films which would showcase him as the baddie. Abbas who tasted success acting in some films as hero is well on his way in becoming a full time character artiste. Murali, Saravanan and the like have also made the transition.

Prabhu seems to be fixated with the idea of playing a good man on screen all the time. Wonder how this is going to help him exhibit his talents. Sathyaraj belongs to a completely different school of thought. The actor who was a trendsetting villain before he started accepting hero roles is completely at ease doing comic roles. Moreover, he can at any time transform himself into a villainÂ .and if that happens that will be a big boon for Tamil Cinema.

One thing is certain in this worldÂ .the only thing that can be constant at all times is change itself.